An Open Letter to the Farming Community.

Standing Together with Farmers and Rural Communities

17th December 2024

The Arthur Rank Centre, which has supported rural churches and communities for over 50 years, is standing in solidarity with farmers and rural communities as they face significant challenges following the recent Budget announcement on 30 October.

Changes to Inheritance Tax reliefs and other financial measures have caused widespread concern, particularly for family farms that form the backbone of rural life.

Revd Matt Jeffrey, CEO of The Arthur Rank Centre, said:
“We want to extend a hand of friendship to farmers during this difficult time. Our network of rural Christians and churches is here to provide confidential support to those grappling with the implications of these changes. Whether it’s a listening ear or walking alongside families in navigating tough decisions, we stand ready to help.”

Support for Farmers and Rural Communities

The Arthur Rank Centre is offering practical and community-level support in three key areas:

• Advocacy: Ensuring rural voices are heard by policymakers, working in partnership with organisations like the Tenant Farmers Association (TFA), the Agricultural Chaplains Association, and the Farming Community Network.
• Practical Support: Providing training and resources, such as the Rural Mission and Ministry Course and Germinate Leadership programme, to equip rural churches to support their communities effectively.
• Encouragement: Inspiring rural individuals and communities to face challenges with resilience and determination.

Revd Preb Nick Read, Agricultural Chaplain and trustee of The Arthur Rank Centre, highlighted the importance of collaboration:
“This is a time for collaboration, advocacy, and care. Together, we can ensure rural communities receive the support they need during this period of uncertainty.”

George Dunn, CEO of the Tenant Farmers Association and trustee of The Arthur Rank Centre, added:
“We are proud to work alongside The Arthur Rank Centre in providing vital support to farming families. Our shared commitment to rural communities is central to everything we do.”

Looking Forward with Hope

As the Christmas season approaches, The Arthur Rank Centre is encouraging reflection on the values of generosity, compassion, and community. These principles, deeply rooted in rural life, are at the heart of its mission to walk alongside all who call the countryside home—regardless of faith or background.

Here is our letter in full…

17^th December 2024

Dear Friends,

Standing Together with Farmers and Rural Communities

The Arthur Rank Centre works to resource, train, and advocate for rural Christians, rural churches and the communities they serve. Founded in 1972 by J. Arthur Rank—a filmmaker, Christian, and member of a family deeply rooted in milling and agriculture—The Arthur Rank Centre has worked to serve rural churches and rural communities. From the very beginning, we have sought to support those at the heart of rural life, including our vital farming community, recognising its unique joys and challenges.

We know that changes announced in the Budget statement on 30 October to Inheritance Tax reliefs and other measures that will impact the farming community, have caused widespread concern and anger. Understandably, the changes announced will present huge challenges to many family farms in the country. We at the Arthur Rank Centre want to reach out to say that we are here for the farming community at this difficult time. We would like to offer a hand of friendship to anybody within the farming community by putting you in touch with rural Christians and churches who will be prepared to talk to you confidentially about your circumstances and walk with you as you take whatever decisions are needed for the benefit of you and your family in the changed circumstances that exist.

We stand alongside you, whether you share our faith or not, because we believe that every individual and community matters. This budget is just one of many pressures you face, whether it be volatile markets, rising costs, or changing regulations. These issues affect not only farmers but also the wider rural community, and their consequences ripple through families, businesses, and the fabric of rural life.

In addition to that one-to-one support, we can also help at a community level in the following ways:

• Advocacy: We are committed to ensuring the voice of rural communities is heard. Through meeting with DEFRA and partnerships with representative organisations like the Tenant Farmers Association, The Agricultural Chaplains Association and Farming Community Network, we seek to highlight the issues you face to policymakers and wider society.
• Practical Support: Our training and resources, such as the Rural Mission and Ministry Course and Germinate Leadership programme, are designed to strengthen rural churches and equip them to provide effective support in their communities.
• Encouragement: We are here to encourage and inspire, helping you and your community to face these challenges with resilience and determination.

The church has always played a vital role in rural life, offering a place of refuge, hope, and community. Whilst not everyone shares this faith perspective, we remain committed to walking alongside all who call the countryside home, supporting you through the challenges you face.

As we approach Christmas, we are reminded of the importance of hope and togetherness. Whatever your beliefs, this season invites us to reflect on the values of generosity, compassion, and community. These values are at the heart of rural life, and they inspire us to continue supporting one another through every challenge.

If you would like to know more about the support we offer, or to share your experiences, please do get in touch. We are here to listen and to help.

Wishing you and your loved one’s peace and joy this Christmas season,

With every blessing,

Revd Matt Jeffrey
Chief Executive Officer
and on behalf of Trustees and all with The Arthur Rank Centre